Engineers believe a robot bird flying without a tailfin could revolutionise aviation.

University of Groningen professor of Biomimetics David Lentink developed the robotic pigeon named PigeonBot II using real feathers in the Netherlands.

He said it replicates how birds continuously adjust the shape of their wings and tails during flight without the need for a vertical tailfin.

Footage shows PigeonBot II moving its feathers while being moved around during a test.

The natural adaptation is a feat the aviation industry has long struggled to replicate.

PigeonBot II was tested in a wind tunnel and flown in the open air, which Professor David said confirmed the idea proposed by German scientist Franz Groebbels in 1929.

He said the innovative design, which mimics bird-like reflexes to maintain stability, could lead to more fuel-efficient aeroplanes with reduced radar signatures, a concept already visualised by the European Airbus group.